Emergency calls to 112 will soon be handled by Civil Defence, which is actively preparing for the transition.

Civil Defence spokesman Panayiotis Liassides told the Cyprus Mail that EU regulations require the implementation of a “new generation 112” system designed to enhance public safety.

“Based on the EU regulation, a new generation 112 must be developed to improve the protection of citizens, alongside the future operation of an early response system by Civil Defence,” he said.

The transition requires massive preparation.

“The transfer demands developing new software and installing new, modern equipment,” along with “the creation of a new unit and single crisis management centre,” Liassides said.

The upgraded system will introduce geolocation, video calling, text messaging, improved accessibility for disabled individuals and other advanced features.

To facilitate the transition, the Civil Defence is receiving support from Greece.

“In the framework of the decision to introduce a new national mechanism for civil protection and observing the good practices of other countries, we are in the process of doing so, with the help of experts from Greece, with which we signed a memorandum of cooperation for the development and implementation of the new system,” Liassides said.

He added that “joint training and exercises will be carried out in cooperation with Greece.”

Before the new unit takes over, the public will be informed about the changes. “The transition will be finalised once the process is complete and the new unit is fully operational,” Liassides said.

Many services are cooperating to ensure a smooth and successful handover.

These include Civil Defence, the police, the fire department, the ambulance service, the deputy ministry for research, innovation and digital policy and the communications commissioner.